16 bit

architecture, programming Using words containing sixteen

bits. This adjective often refers to the number of bits

used internally by a computer's CPU. E.g. "The Intel 8086

is a sixteen bit processor". Its external data bus or

address bus may be narrower. The term may also refer to the

size of an instruction in the computer's instruction set or

to any other item of data.

See also 16-bit application.

(1996-05-13)